Ministry of SMEs and Startups Announces Awards for Individuals and Organizations Enhancing the Status of Small Business Owners

Applications Open in Three Categories Until May 29

The Ministry of SMEs and Startups announced on April 19 that it will award individuals and organizations who have contributed to the advancement of small business owners and the enhancement of their social and economic status.

To instill pride in small business operators and raise social awareness, the Ministry holds the "Korea Small Business Owners Conference" every year on November 5, designated as "Small Business Owners Day," where the awards are presented.

The awards are divided into three categories: exemplary small business owners, contributors to the development of small businesses, and outstanding support organizations.

Eligibility for the exemplary small business owner category requires the applicant to be a representative of a small business who serves as a model for other companies through management innovation, technology, or R&D, and who has managed their business for at least three years. For contributors to the development of small businesses, applicants must have demonstrated achievements in fostering, supporting, or researching small businesses, and must have worked for at least three years at a relevant support organization, academic institution, research institute, or large enterprise. For the outstanding support organization category, eligible applicants include small business cooperatives, related associations and support organizations, and exemplary companies for mutual growth, and must have been established for more than five years.

The awards consist of the Order of Industrial Service Merit and Industrial Service Medal, Presidential Commendation, Prime Minister’s Commendation, and Minister of SMEs and Startups Commendation. The final number of awardees will be determined through consultations with related ministries around September, and the awards will be presented at the 2026 Korea Small Business Owners Conference.

Small business owners and organizations wishing to apply must prepare the required documents as specified in the official notice and submit them in person or by mail to the nearest Regional Office of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, the Small Enterprise and Market Service (SEMAS) regional center, or the Korea Federation of Micro Enterprise by 6:00 p.m. on May 29.

For details regarding the awards, please refer to the Ministry of SMEs and Startups website, the Small Enterprise and Market Service (SEMAS), or the Korea Federation of Micro Enterprise website.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.